Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards 2020 - Friday 30th October 2020
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Rotary Districts of NSW
Emergency Services Community
Awards 2020
Friday 30th October 2020
SMC Conference & Function Centre & eight satellite event locations in NSW
Principal Partner
About Rotary
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
Rotary International is the world’s oldest service club organisation, with more than 1.2million members
in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and
internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training,
promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.
THE ROTARY EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNITY AWARDS
These Awards are a Vocational Service initiative of the Rotary Districts & Clubs of New South Wales.
In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless
Community Service of NSW Emergency Services Personnel while supporting an important Rotary
initiative: Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholarship into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) in Emergency Service Personnel.
While individual services have specific internal awards, the 2020 Rotary NSW Emergency Services
Community Awards, is the only platform in which emergency services personnel is recognised by their
community and 2020 will be the sixth year of the awards.
The Awards are open to all New South Wales based personnel, both paid and volunteer, from the seven
NSW Emergency Service Organisations:
• Fire and Rescue New South Wales • New South Wales Rural Fire Service
• Marine Rescue New South Wales • New South Wales State Emergency Service
• Surf Life Saving New South Wales • New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association
• New South Wales Ambulance
BENEFICIARY OF THE AWARDS
The Beneficiary of the awards is an Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholarship
investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Emergency Service Workers, who are
regularly exposed to traumatic events, which they can repeatedly re-experience through
nightmares or flashbacks.
The first set of national guidelines for the treatment and diagnosis of PTSD in frontline emergency service
workers has been released by a group of Australian clinicians and researchers. These guidelines explore how
to treat and reduce symptoms of PTSD in emergency service workers, plus the best ways the person can
be transitioned back to work. Australian Rotary Health is committed to co-fund this Scholarship with Rotary
District 9675 (funding provided by the Rotary NSW and ACT Emergency Services Community Awards).
In addition to the PhD Scholarship, Rotary and RESCA have co-funded the completion of an initial
deployment of a Vocational Training Team - VTT to Vanuatu in August 2018. Preparations are now being
organised to complement that multi-agency training with further deployment and despatch of resources
to complement the on-the-ground Disaster Preparedness Emergency Services Agency response,
proposed for Tonga.
For more information visit www.RotaryESCawards.org.au or contact Ms Dot Hennessy 0412 120 314.
Message from the Chairperson
On behalf of the Rotary Districts and Clubs of NSW, I am delighted to welcome each and every one
to our 6th Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards – RESCA, albeit a very different
Awards Ceremony for 2020, a hybrid/virtual event.
We are honoured, as always to acknowledge our Vice-Regal Patrons – Her Excellency The Hon
Margaret Beazley AM QC Governor of New South Wales, and Mr David Wilson; The Hon David Elliott
MP, Minister for Police and Emergency Services; the seven Commissioners of the NSW Emergency
Services Agencies, Finalists, Scholars, Partners, Sponsors, Guests and Fellow Rotarians.
We are delighted to welcome Surf Life Saving NSW to join RESCA this year as our 7th Agency. Congratulations to each
of our 32 finalists, who service in either a paid or volunteer capacity, dedicating their SERVICE ABOVE SELF to our
communities, in harmony with Rotary’s ethos. A special thank you to the nominators who have supported with such
high-quality nominations and the largest number of nomination ever received, presenting a huge challenge to judging
panels of Rotarians across the State in determining our finalists.
Thank you to each of our partners/sponsors, who so generously contribute financially or, in kind, to make this event
possible. We especially appreciate the continued support of our Principal Partner – Aware Super; our Gold Sponsors
– NRMA and Remondis Australia; and to each of our Silver, Bronze and other official supporters, a huge thank you.
My sincere appreciation to the Steering Committee; Rotarians from the Rotary Districts across the State; and this host
Rotary District 9675, who actively work together to make this annual event possible.
Our first Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholar, Tara Lal, will provide an update on the progress of her studies
to date. We have committed to funding another scholarship and hopefully will be able to announce the successful
scholar at our Awards Presentation in 2021.
Our Vocational Training Team - VTT, project is in the early stages of its development. Tonga has been selected as the
country we are supporting next and we are currently connected with the Rotary Districts in Adelaide, the South Australian
Emergency Services Agencies and New Zealand to work together on this project. A committee of all stakeholders has
been established, led by this District and is in the process of scoping the project; dates and details for travel; selection
of the Team Leader and Team Members – all subject to COVID requirements.
We celebrate the 3rd year of the $1,000 Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, recognising
four young volunteers, 18 to 25 years of age. The Winner receives support for their training and educational materials or
equipment to further their career goals. To celebrate this recognition is the most humbling honour for my husband and
I. Congratulations to each of our finalists. Your stories are a real credit to you.
The two NSW Overall winners will join the two ACT Overall winners, to be judged for the National Officer in Paid Capacity
and Officer in Volunteer capacity. They will be presented to our joint Patrons of the National Rotary Emergency Services
Community Awards, His Excellency, the Governor General, The Hon David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency,
Mrs Linda Hurley. This year is the second National Awards, to be held on 23 November 2020 at 10:30am in the Bravery
Garden, grounds of Government House, Canberra.
Thank you to my husband Bob, family, friends, fellow Rotarians, mentors, our Event Managers - Admire Events, to
each and every one who has supported this unique initiative, especially confronting the COVID challenges to be able
to present this year’s Awards.
Dorothy (Dot) L Hennessy, OAM PP PHF Sapphire
D9675 Chair, Rotary Districts & Clubs of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA
Supported by Rotary Clubs of NSW and the Rotary Club of Wollongong
Deputy Chair of the Australian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards - AUSRESCA
Program
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Sue Hayward
Past District Governor, Rotary International District 9675
ROTARY WELCOME
Warwick Richardson, District Governor
Rotary International District 9675
VICE-REGAL PATRON ADDRESS
Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AO QC, Governor of NSW
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ON BEHALF OF ALL EMERGENCY SERVICES
Snr Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald AFSM
NSW Rural Fire Service
PRINCIPAL PARTNER – AWARE SUPER
Deanne Stewart, CEO, Aware Super
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS FINALISTS & WINNERS – Part One
Fire & Rescue New South Wales
Marine Rescue New South Wales
Surf Life Saving New South Wales
New South Wales Ambulance Service
REVIEW OF BENEFICIARIES
Tara Lal - Australian Rotary Heath Scholar
Vocational Training Team (VTT)
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS FINALISTS & WINNERS – Part Two
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
New South Wales State Emergency Service
New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association
MINISTER’S ADDRESS
The Hon Gareth Ward MP, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services
DOROTHY HENNESSY EMERGENCY SERVICES YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
PRESENTATION OF AWARD OVERALL WINNERS
CLOSING & THANK YOU
RESCA Ambassador and Commissioner of Resilience Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM
Message from Vice Regal Patron
Message from
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC
Governor of New South Wales
In the 6th year of the 2020 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards, Dennis and I are
honoured to recognise emergency service personnel who have reflected the Rotary motto of
“Service above Self”.
2020 has been a challenging and relentless year for emergency services. Through drought, bushfires,
floods and the ongoing pandemic, the people of New South Wales have had to rely upon our service
organisations for lives and livelihoods as never before. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that this
year has seen the highest number of nominations recorded in the five-year history of the New South
Wales awards.
Congratulations, to all nominees among our paid and volunteer personnel who represent the
below organisations:
x Fire and Rescue NSW
x Marine Rescue NSW
x Surf Life Saving NSW
x NSW Ambulance Service
x NSW Rural Fire Service
x NSW State Emergency Service
x NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
In a year that has also seen tremendous cross-agency collaboration, I welcome Surf Life Saving NSW
to this year’s awards.
Once again, funds raised through the Awards program of recognition go towards two initiatives: -
An Australian Vocational Training Team, competitively selected, consisting of a Rotarian Leader
and Emergency Services Personnel to provide accredited training in Disaster Preparedness for
Emergency Services Personnel in a developing Asia Pacific country and an Australian Rotary
Health PhD Research Scholarship into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Service
Workers.
As Patrons, Dennis and I convey our heartfelt thanks to Rotary and all Nominees, Finalists and
Winners who have put the community at the forefront of this year’s Rotary Emergency Services
Community Awards.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC
Governor of New South Wales
Mr Dennis Wilson
Message from the Minister
The Honourable David Elliot MP
Minister for Police Minister for Emergency Services
2020 ROTARY EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNITY AWARDS
It is an honour to welcome you to the 2020 Rotary District & Clubs of NSW Emergency Services Community
Awards.
It is a pleasure to celebrate your achievements after an extraordinarily challenging year for our state’s
world class Emergency Services and to highlight some of the incredible achievements and service of
some among you.
Our state owes you all a debt of gratitude for your service during the devastating ‘black summer’ bush
fires, floods, storms and the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a year like no other, and has shown the true
strength, resilience and commitment of each and every service man and woman.
This year Rotary received the highest number of nominations in RESCA’s history, a tribute to the incredible
and difficult work of all of our Emergency Services during unprecedented emergencies.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their exemplary community service, their work is
incredibly valued.
The Rotary District & Clubs of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards are an important part of our
community and every year it is a pleasure to be able to recognise the incredible achievements of every
member of the Emergency Services.
The winners announced tonight will then represent the state at the National Awards to be held on 23
November 2020, hosted by Joint Patrons, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC
(Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mrs Linda Hurley.
Thank you for all the work you do, putting service above self for your communities. Your commitment is
appreciated beyond words. Our state cannot thank you enough.
The Hon. David Elliott MP
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Thank you to all our Emergency Services Personnel and all their families for all their dedication and commitment to supporting NSW communities On behalf of NRMA Insurance
Message from our Ambassador
PROUD TO BE A GOLD SPONSOR OF THE 2020 NSW ROTARY EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNITY AWARDS Congratulations to all the finalists Find out more about the bank for you* fmbank.com.au or 1800 800 225 *Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees and current volunteers of a fire and/or emergency service or family members of members of the Bank. Firefighters Mutual Bank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981. 01530-SPO-FMB-0819-RotaryAwardsNSW-A5
Proudly supporting the NSW
Rotary Emergency Services
Community Awards
You breathe life into our communities, and we are aware of
the potential for your super to do the same. So we invest to
do well for our members at the same time as supporting the
broader community.
As a top performing fund, we invest in affordable housing
for key workers, renewable energy and critical infrastructure,
at the same time as delivering strong long-term returns*.
An industry fund for all
aware.com.au
Before deciding if this is right for you consider the PDS on our website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340. *Our Accumulation Fund Growth option
delivered a 10 year return to 31 August 2020 of 8.22% (SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey for the SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index), compared to the 10 year return of the Super
Ratings SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index median (50 funds) of 7.46% for the same period. Returns are net of investment fees, tax and implicit asset-based administration fees. Past
performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.A new name for First State Super
Emergency & Disaster
Preparedness
The funds raised from the NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Award support two Rotary
initiatives.
One of these is Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training by a competitively selected Vocational
Training Team connected with a developing country in the Asia/Pacific Region.
A timeline of the history of this initiative:
2018 – Rotary’s first Emergency Services Awards Vocational Training Team who travelled to Vanuatu to
train 60+ local multi-Agency Emergency Services Personnel in Nationally Accredited training in Disaster
Preparedness.
2019 – ProRescue team members travelled to attend and Australian Training Program, visit Emergency
Services facilities to consolidate and complement the training provided in Vanuatu by the Australian Team.
2020 – February, an additional initiative based on the professions and technical observations by the
experience of the VTT team, a container of essential supplies to complement needs and training which
were surplus to/written off NSW Authorities were donated and packed into a 30’ shipping contained and
sent to Vanuatu. This arrived prior to Cyclone Harold’s devastation in March 2020.
2020 – RESCA is now scoping another Vocational Training Program to visit Tonga post COVID. This project
will involve Rotary representatives from this Rotary District, Adelaide Rotary District, the State currently
engaged in support for Tonga; New Zealand Rotary District which covers Tonga and key Emergency
Services Stakeholders in NSW, SA, Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.Vanuatu VTT Project now completed
• Section 44 Member Support
• Scholarships
SUPPORTING •
•
NSW RFSA Shop
Grant Scheme
OUR MEMBERS •
•
Website Hosting
Training & Events Sponsorship
TO PROTECT • RFSA Conference
• Volunteers’ Family Days
THE COMMUNITY • Honours & Awards
NSW clubs support
their communities at every level
CLUBS DO IT ALL ACROSS THE STATE2019 Finalists
2020
FIRE + RESCUE NSW
ANTHONY CAMILLERI – Station Commander – Bankstown Fire
With more than 33 years of service with Fire and Rescue NSW, Station Commander Tony Camilleri
consistently goes above and beyond to support others in local and overseas communities.
Tony participated in a mammoth cross-country charity bike ride stretching from Sydney to Perth,
and together with his daughter, he donated all of the profits from his local café business in Bali
to support the welfare of the local community. Tony also assisted the Vanuatu community in
developing an Urban Search and Rescue capability in the wake of Cyclone Pam in 2015, and he
was decorated for rescuing people trapped in a car after an accident.
CRAIG GORDON – Fire Investigation – Greenacre
A permanent and previously a retained firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, has supported
investigations surrounding the cause and origin of fires, particularly those in the built environment,
through his specialist skills in training accelerant detection canines. Fire and Rescue NSW’s
accelerant detection canine program is the first of its kind in Australasian fire services. Craig spent
five years with the RAAF and in the 2013 he was involved in protecting RAAF base Williamtown
from a fast moving bushfire. Craig left the RAAF to pursue a permanent career with Fire and
rescue NSW. Craig has been stationed at Goulburn, Salamander Bay and Bankstown fire stations,
and specialised in rescue . Craig currently works at Fire Investigation and Research Unit which is
based in Greenacre, Craig also worked at both the Currowan and the Gospers Mountain Fires last
year. He was also deployed to conduct rapid damage assessments in the Clarence Valley. Craig
has given public lectures and demonstrations in the use of canine detection in fires, to increase
community awareness about this exciting and beneficial program.
DAVID MILLIKEN – Captain NSW Fire and Rescue
The Thredbo landslide disaster in 1997 would test the mettle of any emergency worker, and Fire
and Rescue NSW Thredbo Station Captain David Milliken rose to the occasion when he led a
team through the horror. He has never flinched in a region pregnant with dangers. As member of
the Thredbo Ski Patrol for 33 years, David used his intimate knowledge of the alpine country to
effect many rescues. As a firefighter, he has been involved with the 2003 bushfires, the 2018 Tathra
bushfire and the unprecedented 2019/2020 bushfire season. David has supported members of
the community affected by trauma and has worked within the fire service in developing strategy to
deal with mental health problems of employees severely affected by those events.
GREG ROOD – Bush Fire Officer – Sydney Olympic Park
A bush fire and aviation officer with Fire and Rescue NSW, knows well the value of preparation
and prevention, especially as he is leading the trial and introduction of wildfire-preventative
products and home defence systems such as Thermo Gel to protect thousands of properties into
the future. He is also leading a project with IAG insurance and the NRMA helicopter to innovate
for the future and include the capability for interface aerial firefighting for greater prevention and
protection of properties and the community in assisting the Rural Fire Service. But he has also
been actively on the frontline in the face of disaster. In 2018, Greg and his wife Melissa rallied
the Wollongong community to receive donations of bush bikes, surfboards, wetsuits and outdoor
sporting equipment for families and children following the Tathra bushfires. Greg also personally
delivered and distributed donated goods with his family to those devastated by this tragic event as
a means to get the community back to their feet quickly and to what they love. Active elsewhere in
community charitable activities, Greg returned early from leave in January this year to assist in the
bushfire threat to the far south coast where he provided countless hours of assistance to locals
on and off shift providing fire line / area intelligence and reconnaissance and tactical advice to
incident management and strike teams from Sydney to Bega.2020 Finalists MARINE RESCUE NSW STEVEN ANGLEO – Training Systems Officer; MR Master; MR Watch Officer, Trainer & Assessor – Bermagui A member of Marine Rescue Bermagui for 12 years, Steve Angelo has dedicated himself to the safety of the boating community and his fellow volunteers. He is an experienced rescue vessel Master and radio base Watch Officer. Steve also gained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, becoming a unit trainer. With a natural ability to communicate complex matters clearly, he uses his experience to demonstrate the application of operating procedures, helping ensure the unit continues to provide an effective rescue service. Despite living approximately an hour inland, where he lost stock, sheds and fencing in the summer fires, Steve devotes about 30 hours a week to unit activities and is always available for response operations. He has forged strong links with the State Emergency Service and Surf Life Saving, whose members operate alongside MR Bermagui, including during a three-day search for a missing person off Tathra in 2019 that was exposed as a hoax. Steve’s marine and rescue knowledge is second to none. ALLAN BROOK – MR Coxswain/Trainer/MR Radio Operator – Ulladulla When Allan Brook was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, he was given only two months to live. Driven by his faith and will to survive, not only has Allan defied that prognosis, he has continued to serve as an enthusiastic member of Marine Rescue Ulladulla. Allan has taken part in 72 rescue missions in eight years, including 18 after his diagnosis. One drew international attention when Allan and Unit Commander David Hall evacuated a family who had sought refuge from the Currowan inferno on the Bawley Point beachfront on December 5. After transporting water, food and medical supplies to firefighters, they transferred three girls and two boys, aged between six and 14, to safety. Allan worked tirelessly, unloading the supplies, pushing the boat out through the breakers and safely loading the children and their mother on board, regaling them with stories to distract from their seasickness and stress. Allan is always cheerful and supportive of others, including his fellow Milton Baptist Church members, cancer sufferers and volunteers. DANIELLE CARTER – Fund Raising Coordinator – Shoalhaven Danielle Carter is a fundraising coordinator with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven. Since joining the unit 15 years ago, she has served as a radio operator, vessel crew member and on the unit executive, as well as undertaking many administrative and fundraising tasks, including organising raffles and raising donations. Danielle is the coordinator of the annual Emergency Services Open Day, bringing together numerous services to showcase their skill and services to the local community. Danielle has been an adult volunteer with Australian Navy Cadets, operating from HMAS Albatross, Nowra, since 2014 and is currently a Chief Petty Officer. She commits more than 60 days a year, including most Saturdays, a weekend a month and two one-week blocks a year, working as a Cadet Instructor for up to 50 cadets from 12 to 18 years. In the past year she has undertaken Youth Mental Health First Aid, Leadership and Management and Power Boat Instructor training. She is recognised as a weapons and power boat instructor and safety boat operator. ALEC PERCIVAL – MR Master, MR Watch Officer and Property and Facilities Officer. Former Unit Commander and Deputy Unit Commander – Bermagui Marine Rescue NSW volunteers often put their safety on the line to rescue boaters in peril. Marine Rescue Bermagui vessel Master and Watch Officer Alec Percival has taken part in many missions in hazardous conditions, including saving a yacht from smashing on to rocks at night in rough seas off Binji Binji Point in 2017, for which he was awarded a prestigious Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage. Alec has served as Unit Commander for eight years and Deputy for a further two, responsible for upgrading the unit’s working environment by relocating its base to a high-profile waterfront location. Alec always puts the needs of boaters and MRNSW first as demonstrated when he and his wife Heather lost their home to a bushfire on New Year’s Eve. At this difficult time, Alec still coordinated the transportation of the unit’s rescue vessel 200km by road to Nowra for essential repairs. Alec has built relationships with other emergency services, including the Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club, with the unit helping the club to operate a bushfire evacuation centre in January.
2020 Finalists
SURF LIFE SAVING NSW
ANTHONY BELLETTE – Batemans Bay SLSC – Club Captain – Batemans Bay
Like so many other emergency workers, Tony Bellette saw his moment had come when the most
recent devasting bushfires threatened the township of Malua Bay on the far south coast. After
text messages went out to townspeople to evacuate the beach, Anthony went on to play a pivotal
role. He managed thousands of people seeking shelter at the club and communicated with other
emergency services. When the surf clubhouse became a recovery centre, he managed that as
well. Thirteen years a lifesaver and now captain of the Bateman’s Bay SLSC, Anthony has devoted
himself to the club and its operations, including an event in 2011 when a catamaran overturned
and threw five people into the water and he went out to save lives.
TRACEY HARE-BOYD – Sydney Northern Beaches Branch – President – Sydney’s
Northern Beaches
Tracey Hare-Boyd, the first female President of Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches Branch, has
her work cut out attending to a membership of more than 19,000 in one of the biggest Branch of
surf lifesaving in the nation. With a host of awards to her name, she has been on hand to assist
round the clock. When storms lashed Sydney’s the region in November last year, Tracey was part
of the emergency call-out team that went out to help members of the community identified at high
risk, without power and needing medical assistance. She and her team went door knocking at
400 homes in Belrose, Davidson, Forestville, Killarney and Duffy’s Forest. Eighteen people were
identified as requiring further medic al assistance and four needed hospitalisation.
KAREN HICKMOTT – Toowoon Bay – Director of Finance – Toowoon Bay
Karen Hickmott has used her extensive experience as the parent and advocate of two children
with significant additional needs, her formidable management and organizational skills and
her passion and dedication for helping others to make a difference for many members of the
community but particularly other special needs families. After joining Toowoon Bay SLSC in 2016,
obtaining her Bronze Medallion and a raft of other awards she initiated and continues to run the
Toowoon Bay Stingray Nipper programme for children with additional needs. Karen has also
brought her business skills to the role of Director of Finance for the Club for the last three years
and is active in all areas of the club including management of major fundraising events, sponsors
and grants, patrolling, competing in club competitions and even serving in the bar!
MICHAEL WASLEY – Sydney Northern Beaches Branch – Deputy President – Mona Vale
With almost 30 years of service in the surf lifesaving movement, Michael Wasley has contributed
at club, branch, state, national and international levels. Michael was selected by SLSA to travel
overseas to train and educate lifesavers in the South Korean Lifesaving Association, Police and
the YMCA. Last year he won the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Lifesaver of the Year award
for the second time and is always encouraging youngsters to become part of the Surf Life Saving
Movement. Michael has conducted four seasons as Carnival Director of Sydney Northern Beaches
Branch Special Needs Championships, which he started in 2017. Following the success of this
event in 2019, Michael was appointed carnival director for the first SLSNSW State Championship
Inclusive Event which is now a fixture of the Championship program.2020 Finalists NSW AMBULANCE DENISE PERRY – Volunteer 1st responder – Bigga Denise Perry, in partnership with her husband for 22 years in the local hotel in Bigga in the southern tablelands, has long helped improve its resources and encourage visitors to the small town. With time lag of up to an hour for an ambulance to get there due to access, there is need for self- help. For the last 17 years, Denise has been a volunteer Community First Responder with NSW Ambulance in partnership with the SES. She has been right there for some of truly devastating and horrific incidents, from drownings and suicides to car and farm accidents. Throughout the years she has helped run many fundraising events for lifesaving essentials for our town, such as an easily accessible defibrillator and equipment to provide oxygen. MATTHEW POTTER – Team Leader – Milton / Ulladulla Last summer’s bushfires brought out the best in emergency workers. Matthew Potter, a paramedic based at Ulladulla, was one of those. When bushfires struck the Shoalhaven, he became Forward Commander in the NSW Ambulance response, working 20-hour days for an extended period, moving with the RFS control centres. Isolated people in the area, after having endured a truly horrendous inferno, did not feel quite as vulnerable with continued support such as Mathew provided. Having attended care accidents, he has also provided driver education for local high school students. Matthew has educated students with a drugs and alcohol program and consistently goes out of his way to help the elderly and people at risk. MICHELLE RAWLINSON – Volunteer Project support coodinator – Goulburn Michelle Rawlinson, a NSW Ambulance Service employee, has a very big job. She coordinates and supports the NSW Ambulance Community First Responders throughout the state – from recruiting and training through to continued support and promoting engagement. This includes multi-agency training days and weekends. Based at Goulburn, Michelle has gone well beyond the call of duty, focusing on local CFR units and identifying towns with increased needs, such as the community of Bigga which suffered numerous accidents within 12 months. Noted for her friendliness and approachability, Michelle works in close cooperation with other emergency services, providing continuing education and training for the NSW SES, NSW VRA and NSW Police, making her a vital part of the fabric of volunteers within this state. JESSICA WHITTAKER – Paramedic – Dapto Jessica Whittaker, a paramedic of 11 years based at Dapto, is passionate about the health of patients requiring an ambulance and makes the health of the community a personal priority. Jessica attends sporting events to provide emergency treatment as a volunteer. She presents to community groups and schools, provides peer support to her colleagues, and participates in charity drives for causes such as Brian Cancer Awareness. She has also taken issue with pollution of the environment and has educated NSW Ambulance staff on waste management. She is member of a range of community groups such as Land and Sea Clean-up, concerned with preserving the environment.
2020 Finalists
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
ROBERT JOHN COLE – President/Deputy Captain – Loftus
Robert Cole, president of the Loftus Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, visited fire-ravaged Kangaroo
Valley to speak directly to and assist bereft locals, even spending his own money locally to
help stimulate the economy. Seven years with the bushfire service but 40 years in community
organisations, including Rotary, the Salvation Army and supporters of the Powerhouse Museum
where he has been a volunteer guide, he has devoted himself to his brigade. Professionally, he
has worked as an orthotist, helping people to walk or walk properly again and use other afflicted
parts of the anatomy. He organised funding for a crippled child and parents to go to the United
States to get the child to walk again and enabled a paraplegic woman to walk down the aisle on
her wedding day.
MARK EGLINGTON AFSM – Group Captain- Tweed – Far North Coast
Bushfire devastation knows no boundaries. When Group Captain Kenneth Mark (Mark) Eglington
and fellow colleagues from the Far North Coast were deployed to bushfire ravaged Cobargo
earlier this year they returned home emotionally impacted. Having served 30 years with Cudgen
Brigade on the Far North Coast Mark wasn’t going to ignore the trauma on the South Coast.
He was the driving force behind forming a committee appealing to other Fire Brigades, Brigade
members, local businesses and community members for funds and equipment to be distributed to
the Cobargo community. $40,000 in cash was received. Along with $10,000 in donated equipment
$31,000 in fencing and plumbing equipment was purchased enough to fill a semi – trailer. Cash
donations were made to 3 local schools, Cobargo Scout Group and the Cobargo Co-Op.
WENDY ROBERTS – Volunteer – Shoalhaven
Longevity in emergency services is commendable, but Wendy Roberts, having chalked up 58
years, might have set a record. A volunteer with the NSW Rural fire Service, based at Vincentia,
south coast, Wendy has helped with welfare, logistics and fundraising and has attended many fire
incidents. A mother and grandmother, she has been a member of the Erowal Bay Brigade, now
amalgamated to form the Crossroads Brigade. She has also devoted herself to the Jervis Bay
Lions Club (38 years), Girl Guides, Camp Quality, Meals on Wheels and helped many residents
with welfare needs. She has helped people with disabilities, and delivered meals to the socially
isolated. In her remaining time, she has worked for the local “Litter Busters” to clean up the
environment.
VELMA WALKER AFSM – Clerical and administrative duties in the District Office –
Shoalhaven
Velma Walker, for 29 years a volunteer assisting the NSW Rural Fire Service, is one of the legion
of women, who form the bedrock of the emergency services, often as in her case working in
paid employment and looking after a family. Active in service clubs and in choral activities, where
she also gained prominence, Velma has helped in fundraising and running community events.
Based on the south coast, she has been a secretary and treasurer in the Country Women’s
Association (CWA) and helped at the CWA stall at the Royal Easter Show. In the years that her late
husband was an ambulance Superintendent, she served with the Women’s Auxiliary and on many
occasions, she helped care for children whose parents were in emergency situations.2020 Finalists
NSW STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE
GERRY BURNAGE – Unit Commander – Ballina
Being an NSW SES Unit Commander at Ballina, on the far north coast, Gerry Burnage is prepared
for storms. When Lennox Head was hit by a Tornado in 2010 – an event described as “like a
bomb going off” he had to draw on every bit of training when he led a team into deal with the
mess. He spent many days and nights helping residents and keeping them safe. Thirty-six years
in the Service, a recipient of the Emergency Services Medal, National Medal & Clasp 1,2 NSW
SES Life Member, NSW SES 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 & 35 Year Long Service Awards, NSW SES
Commissioner’s Unit Citation, as well as a member of the Ballina SES Road Crash Rescue Team.
Gerry has committed himself over the last five years to the Yetties Program to expose youth in the
community to volunteering, leadership, and emergency services.
CRAIG GIBBONS – Unit Commander – Oberon
Craig Gibbons, a local electrician in Oberon, has ample call on and serves as an NSW SES Unit
Commander, in an area with long stretches of road, heavy traffic, caves and weather cold enough
to produce snows. When people get into trouble, Craig, who joined the NSW SES at the age of 17
and has served for more than 26 years, has done many rescues. He has abseiled 150 metres down
a cliff, rescued a group of soldiers lost in fog, cut people out of vehicles and cleared fallen logs
from roads. Willing to use his electrical skills for the public good, and also a member of the NSW
Rural Fire Service, he trains and assesses fellow rescue and fire volunteers and helps young people
with their sport. Craig is a recipient of the National Medal & Clasp 1 and NSW SES 5, 10, 15, 20 &
25 Year Long Service Award and the NSW Rural Fire Service 10 Year Long Service Award & Clasp.
KEVIN JONES – Unit Commander – Hawkesbury
There comes a time for just about every rescue volunteer when his own life is on the line, and for
Kevin Jones, more than 47 years as an SES volunteer, and presently NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit
Commander, that came when a boat overturned in a flood, throwing him and a pregnant woman
into the water. He and the woman were able to get out of the boat and Kevin has continued to
serve. He has performed in thousands of motor vehicle accidents in one of the busiest rescue units
in the state, dropping everything, even while at work at Rural Press, to assist. As an SES Volunteer
Kevin has also been part of assisting in the aftermath of many significant events, notably Newcastle
Earthquake 1989 and the Thredbo Landslide 1997. For the last 47 years, Kevin has also been a
volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service. Kevin is a recipient of the National Medal & Clasps 1, 2 &
3, NSW SES 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 40 & 45 Year Long Service Awards, NSW SES Commissioner’s
Unit Citation, NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Service, the NSW SES Medal for the
State Medal for the Hunter/Sydney Northern Storms and National Award for the Centenary Medal
(for volunteer service to the community).
DAVID KING – Deputy Unit Commander – Hawkesbury
David King, NSW SES Deputy Unit Commander in the Hawkesbury SES, covering a very flood-
prone area, has long known that not only humans but the bountiful livestock in the area can be
in great peril. It is natural enough that David, 43 years in the service, has specialised in Large
Animal Rescue, a skill he is sharing with rescue units across the state. His aim is to ensure families
have the best chance to relocate themselves, their livestock and pets in times of flood. Highly
commended for this work, David has also reached out to help train a volunteer rescue group in
Vanuatu. As a volunteer in the NSW Rural Fire Service for more than 36 years, David is an active
member in his brigade and district. David is a recipient of the Emergency Services Medal, National
Medal & Clasps 1 & 2, NSW SES 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 Year Long Service Awards, two NSW
SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Service and the SES State Medal for the Hunter/Sydney
Northern Storms.2020 Finalists
NSW VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION
PHILLIP CORNISH – Captain – Casino
Phil Cornish, with more than 35 years of service in the VRA, has played a captain’s innings. He
showed how it was done when he participated in a swift water rescue in 2008, for which he
received a Commendation for Bravery. Phil was a foundation member of the VRA Gulgong in
1989 and then moved to Casino where he joined the VRA Casino Rescue Squad. He has served
diligently ever since, filling in as treasurer, volunteering for events at the local show, bringing in and
mentoring new members and embracing change. He has served as president for several years
and is presently the rescue squad captain. Phil received the Premier’s Award for 25 years’ service.
He has also received the VRA Medal and the National Medal for Service.
JOSHUA RICKARD – Rescue Operator – Albury
Joshua Ricard threw himself so completely into the search for a Nepalese swimmer missing in the
Murray River last year that finally the police had to ask that he stop. A member of the VRA Albury
and Border Rescue Squad since 2018, Joshua was unwilling to give up. Joshua is very active with
the squad, he is also a member of the welfare organisations Caravan Foundation, Red Cross,
Make-a-Wish, Country Hope and Nolan House, and the mental health organisation, Headspace.
After rescues, he had cared for fellow rescuers. Josh works with troubled youth. Three days a
week as a teacher’s aide with the aspect which helps people on the autism spectrum. Last year
2019 Luke was named Albury’s Young Citizen of the Year.
DOUGLAS STYLES – President, Cessnock VRA – Cessnock
The 1989 earthquake in Newcastle, the first fatal earthquake recorded in Australian history. This
shook up the community in more ways than one, especially the VRA operators who went into the
disaster to rescue and to assist. Hot on the heels of the rescuers was Douglas Styles, now 33 years
with the VRA, President and Deputy Senior Captain with the VRA Cessnock Rescue Squad. Active
in administration, fundraising and care of personnel, he worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare
of the rescue personnel in the earthquake. More than 40 years with the St John Ambulance, and
formerly a member of Mines Rescue, Doug has dedicated most of his life to ensuring that the
community in general is well-trained and ready for emergencies.
DANIEL VAN KEIMPEMA – Captain Central Coast RS – Warnervale Central Coast
Descending a cliff or winching up an injured person are part of Daniel Van Keimpema’s work as
captain of the VRA Central Coast. When a young boy got his hand stuck in an escalator Daniel
was there and that rescue was seen by many on television. A paraglider’s misfortune crashing
into a cliff “Crackneck Lookout” was a bigger operation, requiring a descent by rope and winching
up to safety. But operations big or small no matter what all matter to Danial. The Squad which can
lay claim to being the busiest in the state and has many missions. Earlier this year Daniel joined
a Swift Water Rescue Team to do rescues amid severe flooding. When extensions to the Wyong
Racing Club this meant the squad had to vacate its home, Daniel went to work and found the
squad a new home. Daniel is a valued member of the squad and community.Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services
Youth Scholarship – 2020 Finalists
THOMAS KENNEDY - SURF LIFE SAVING NSW
Surf Lifesaver – Wamberal
Being a great athlete is a help to any rescuer. Bronze Medallion-holder Tom Kennedy was finalist in the
Athlete of the Final for Surf Life Saving Central Coast and helped his Wamberal Surf Club patrol win Patrol
of the Year last year. He joined the Wamberal Surf Club patrol as a volunteer in 2012 and three years ago
became a professional lifeguard with Central Coast Council. During busy periods, Tom spends more than 50
hours a week on the beach and is on-call in the off-season, including an occasion last month when a person
was swept off the beach and needed urgent medical attention. He has given patient support assistance
at Gosford Hospital, sought higher qualifications in rescue work and has taught beach safety to children.
THEODORE SCHOLL – NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
Training, Communications – Rappville Brigade
Studying for the Higher School Certificate can be demanding. Theodore Scholl, a member of the
Rappville Brigade of the Rural Fire Service brigade in northern NSW, managed this in October last year
while also helping his community cope with the bushfires raging through the local area. Noted for his
altruism from at least the age of 12, Theodore dealt with the bushfire drama calmly and efficiently, utilising
his local knowledge to assist precise communication. He greatly assisted his own family, refused to
succumb to his own fatigue and distress, and dealt with traumatised and sometimes angry residents
nearby. Showing a maturity beyond his years, he then threw his support into recovery work and became
the public face of the service in the media.
KATIE NEWCOMBE – NSW STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE
Admin Officer – Harrington
Katie Newcombe works at an aged care facility, is a carer for her father and is studying to become a
nurse, but in her community, she is hardly content to leave it at that. She is one of the first out when there
is a call for the SES. In the summer bushfires that afflicted the north coast of the state, Katie went on duty
as a member of the Harrington SES Unit, assisting at Fire Control Headquarters at Wauchope and getting
food and equipment out to the firefighters. During a blaze that threatened an area between Forster and
Taree, Katie helped in evacuation notification and in a dangerous developing situation took a leadership
role to direct fellow SES members to safety.
LUKE WANGMAN – NSW VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION
Rescue Operator, Maintenance – Charmhaven / Central Coast
Six-and-a- half-years in the Australian Defence Force can be guaranteed to give a man practice and
skills. Luke Wangmann, who finished his career as a Sapper with a Combat Engineer unit in Darwin,
demonstrates that. His secondary role as Troop Maintenance Manager has suited him to his new role
as a member of the VRA Central Coast, which he joined two years ago. Luke, who is now studying
with the intent to become a Paramedic, has gone on approximately 30 call-outs a month, handling a
variety of emergencies such as road crashes, industrial accidents and trapped animals. He participates
in community events to support the squad and recently went for two weeks to Bega and Narooma to
assist in the bushfire emergency. Luke is a valued member of the squad and community.
Proudly supporting the NSW Emergency
Services Community Awards
Australia’s Premier Truck Dealership • Sales • Service • Parts • Accessories
8 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood
Phone (02) 8825 1000 • www.gilbertandroachisuzu.com.auEmergency Service Agencies
FIRE + RESCUE NSW
1 Amarina Avenue www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Greenacre, NSW 2190 www.facebook.com/FRNSW
02 9265 2999 twitter.com/FireRescueNSW
Fire and Rescue NSW’s purpose is to make the community safe by protecting the irreplaceable. Our mission
and our capabilities extend far beyond fire. We respond to car accidents, urban rescue, hazardous materials
incidents, humanitarian relief, natural disasters and environmental protection. We prioritise life and help to
reduce risk through prevention and education initiatives. We operate seamlessly and co-operatively with other
emergency services, not just in Australia, but around the world.
MARINE RESCUE NSW
NSW Headquarters
Building 1, 202 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla NSW 2230 www.marinerescuensw.com.au
02 8071 4848 Facebook.com/MarineRescueNSW
info@mrnsw.com.au twitter.com/marinerescuensw
Marine Rescue NSW saves lives on the water. More than 3,000 volunteers watch over boaters on the NSW
coastline from Point Danger to Eden and inland on the high-risk Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama.
We have this year expanded our capability, delivering 10 new rescue vessels and establishing our 45th unit
– and our first offshore – on Lord Howe Island. Our volunteers respond to emergencies around the clock, in
hazardous weather and sea conditions and monitor marine radio 24/7 for distress calls to ensure boaters in
trouble get help fast. In the past year, our crews launched 2,540 missions, returning almost 6,000 boaters
safely to shore. They also demonstrated their versatility and commitment to serving our community, stepping
in to support the emergency response to the State’s unprecedented bushfire crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW SOUTH WALES
3 Narabang Way, Belrose NSW 2085 www.surflifesaving.com.au
PO BOX 307, Belrose NSW 2085 www.facebook.com/surflifesavingnsw
(02) 9471 8000 twitter.com/slsnsw
media@surflifesaving.com.au www.linkedin.com/company/surf-life-saving-nsw
As the state’s peak water safety and rescue organisation, Surf Life Saving NSW’s mission is simple and hasn’t
changed in over 100 years; saving lives, creating great Australians and building better communities. Gazetted
as a NSW Emergency Service in 2018, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteer members respond to emergencies
along the NSW coastline. Surf Life Saving NSW has 77,000 members across 129 Surf Life Saving Clubs and
11 Branches who perform thousands of rescues, preventative actions and first aid treatments each year. Each
summer over 20,000 SLSNSW volunteer members don the iconic red and yellow uniforms at beaches across
the state. Since recording began in 1949, our members have performed over 378,000 rescues.
NSW AMBULANCE
Locked Bag 105, Rozelle, NSW, 2039 www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au
02 9320 7777 Facebook.com/NSWAmbulance
generalenquiry@ambulance.nsw.gov.au Twitter.com/NSWAmbulance
NSW Ambulance delivers high quality out of hospital emergency care to patients in need. No longer just
an emergency transport service, our new vision sees us positioned firmly as an emergency mobile health
service. Rather than a one-size-fits-all treat-and-transport model, which takes every patient to a hospital to
get care, we take the appropriate health care to our patients. One of the largest ambulance services in the
world, we receive a call every 26 seconds. We employ over 5,000 people, with 90 per cent being operational
staff involved in the front-line delivery of services. This includes paramedics, Triple Zero (000) call takers and
specialised areas such as intensive care and extended care paramedics, special operations, counter disaster,
aeromedical paramedics and flight nurses, doctors and medical retrieval.Emergency Service Agencies
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters
4 Murray Rose Avenue www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 www.facebook/nswrfs
02 8741 5555 http://twitter.com/nswrfs
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the lead combat agency for bush fires in NSW. Working closely with
other agencies we respond to a range of emergencies including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and
storms. With close to 74,000 volunteer members and more than 2,000 brigades, the NSW RFS is the largest
volunteer fire service in the world.
NSW STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE
NSW SES State Headquarters 93-99 Burelli Street, www.facebook.com/NSWSES
Wollongong, NSW 2500 http://twitter.com/NSWSES
02 4251 6111 For volunteering enquiries visit: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
The NSW State Emergency Service is dedicated to assisting the community in times of emergencies and
disasters as the combat agency for floods, storms and tsunami. Comprising of up to 10,000 volunteer
members across 264 Units, the Service also provides specialist rescue capabilities to the community
including road crash rescue, land search, and community first responder.
NSW VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION INC
PO Box 4127 www.rescue.org.au
DUBBO NSW 2830 Facebook: @VRANSW Twitter: @VRArescue
1300 872 777 Instagram: @nswvra LinkedIn: @NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
Inc
The NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc. began in 1969. We will be celebrating 50 years of providing a
Volunteer Rescue Service to NSW in 2020. We have approximately 1900 members who belong to 55 affiliated
Squads through NSW. The 58 affiliated squads comprise of 42 accredited general land rescue squads, 3
specialty rescue squads, the remaining squads are support squads. The VRA is predominately a regionally
based organisation and our squads undertaking around 6500 jobs per annum. Those jobs range from serious
motor vehicle crashes, vertical rescues, land searches and the like just to name a few. In the last reporting
year our volunteers gave to the community of NSW 220,000 hours. As well as providing a Rescue Service we
assist other emergency organisations, such as the NSW Police, NSW Ambulance Service and NSW Rural Fire
Service. The VRA is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Our moto is A helping hand
anywhere anytime.Thank you for your support
Principal Partner
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
Event SupportersTHE ROTARY NSW EMERGENCY SERVICES
COMMUNITY AWARDS FOR 2021
Lock these key dates into your diary now!
Nominations Open: 3rd March 2021*
Nominations Close: 1st May 2021*
Finalists Announced: 16th June 2021*
Awards Night: Saturday 14th August 2021*
*dates subject to change
SUPPORT ROTARY NOW….
www.rotaryescawards.org.au
www.facebook.com/RotaryESCawards
#RESCA2020You can also read
